How can you effectively communicate with your team in a research setting?

2 Choose your channel

Depending on the situation, you may need to communicate with your team through different channels, such as email, phone, video call, chat, or face-to-face. Each channel has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you need to choose the one that is most appropriate for your purpose and audience. For example, email may be good for sending formal or complex information, but it may not be suitable for urgent or sensitive matters. Phone or video call may be good for discussing issues or clarifying questions, but they may not be convenient for everyone. Chat may be good for quick updates or reminders, but it may not be effective for conveying emotions or nuances. Face-to-face may be good for building rapport or resolving conflicts, but it may not be feasible for remote or busy team members.

3 Be clear and concise

When you communicate with your team, you need to be clear and concise about what you want to say, why you are saying it, and what you expect from them. You need to use simple and precise language, avoid jargon or acronyms, and provide relevant examples or evidence. You also need to avoid unnecessary information, repetition, or ambiguity that may confuse or distract your team. You need to structure your communication in a logical and coherent way, and use headings, bullet points, or summaries to highlight the main points. You need to check your communication for errors, inconsistencies, or misunderstandings before you send or deliver it.

4 Listen and respond

Communication is not a one-way process, but a two-way interaction that requires you to listen and respond to your team as well as to speak and write to them. You need to show interest and attention to what your team members are saying, ask open-ended questions, and provide feedback or acknowledgement. You also need to respect their opinions and perspectives, even if they differ from yours, and avoid interrupting or dismissing them. You need to respond to their communication in a timely and appropriate manner, and follow up on any actions or outcomes that you agreed on.

5 Be respectful and supportive

Communication is not only about exchanging information, but also about building relationships and trust with your team. You need to be respectful and supportive of your team members, and treat them as valued and competent professionals. You need to use polite and positive language, avoid sarcasm or criticism, and express appreciation and recognition. You also need to be empathetic and understanding of their feelings, needs, and challenges, and offer help or guidance when needed. You need to communicate with your team in a way that enhances their motivation, confidence, and satisfaction.

6 Adapt and improve

Communication is not a static or fixed skill, but a dynamic and evolving one that requires you to adapt and improve according to the changing circumstances and feedback. You need to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your communication with your team, and seek their input and suggestions. You also need to be open and willing to learn from your mistakes, and make changes or adjustments when necessary. You need to communicate with your team in a way that reflects your growth and development as a laboratory manager and a researcher.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?